Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Easy Chicken Curry

12 | 08 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Who doesn’t love a good Chicken Curry?Its an all time favorite Indian Dish and today I’ve got for you an easy version using Chicken Breasts that cooks fast and tastes delicious.This is my go-to curry even on weekdays and I use the same base substituting Chicken for Tofu,Paneer or veggies.This is a basic North Indian curry where the sauce consists of onions.ginger,garlic, tomatoes and spices.If you’re a curry lover that frequents local Indian restaurants to enjoy Indian food, I would suggest you try this recipe at home and see how easy it can be.

Easy Chicken Curry

I’ve used Chicken breasts here but you can also use Thighs or Drumsticks if you prefer.The joy of cooking Indian food lies in the fact that you get to smell all those wonderful spices during the cooking process and the end result is worth every bit of the effort.The onion mixture along with the spices and the tomatoes are simmered slowly for the flavors to develop before the chicken is added.The chicken gets coated in all those lovely flavors and you can enjoy it with some hot steaming rice or rotis.

Easy Chicken Curry 3

Easy Chicken Curry

Easy Chicken Curry

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Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Breasts- 1lb cubed
  • Onion-1 medium
  • Ginger-1 inch
  • Garlic-5 cloves
  • Cumin Seeds-1/2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Mild Red chili or paprika-1 tsp
  • Tomato-1 small pureed
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Water-1 cup
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-5 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Make a paste of the onion,ginger,garlic,cumin seeds with a little water in the food processor.
  • In a wok or a deep skillet heat the oil.
  • Add the onion paste and stir every few minutes until it starts changing color a bit and the raw smell disappears (about 5-6 minutes)
  • Add all the spices except garam masala and continue to stir for a minute or two until aromatic.If you find the paste sticking to the bottom add a tbsp of water and stir to mix.
  • Add the tomato puree and cook the mixture on low heat while stirriing at intervals until you see oil separating from the sides.
  • Add the chicken pieces and mix.
  • Add water, salt and garam masala.,Bring to a boil, cover and cook on med and then reduce the heat and continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
  • Garnish with cilantro.
  • Serve hot with rice or roti.

Spinach Pesto Chicken Kebabs

03 | 08 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Grilled foods cannot be complete without some juicy, moist kebabs.For our weekend bbq,I made these Chicken Kebabs with my  Spinach Pecan Pesto and it was just delicious.Spinach and Chicken go very well together and with the garlic and parmesan there’s some great flavors going on in these kebabs.You can use your own favorite pesto for this recipe.I just happened to have some fresh spinach waiting to be used and always have pecans on hand.

Spinach Pesto Chicken Kebabs

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I’ve been busy entertaining this summer and luckily was able to take pictures of these gorgeous kebabs.I added some onions and peppers for some extra crunch.The kebabs were marinated in the pesto for about 4 hours and grilled for about 7-8 minnutes on each side until they developed all those yummy grill marks.

spinach pecan pesto

My Spinach Pecan Pesto is super easy and is a great way to enjoy some clean, healthy flavors in your food.Apart from using it in your favorite pasta, you can also use it as a condiment/dip,marinade,base in your wraps/burritos, sandwich and so on.

I served the kebabs with some Couscous Tabbouleh alongside some grilled veggies for a delicious summer meal.Not to be missed this season.Enjoy!

Spinach Pesto Chicken Kebabs 1

 

Spinach Pesto Chicken Kebabs

Spinach Pesto Chicken Kebabs

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Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Breasts cubed-1 lb
  • Spinach Pecan Pesto-5-6 tbsp
  • Onions-1 large cubed
  • Peppers-2 cubed
  • Grape tomatoes-5-6
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive Oil

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the chicken in the pesto for about 4 hours.
  • Arrange the chicken,onions,peppers,grapr tomatoes on a skewer.
  • Sprinkle some salt and pepper all over and grill for about 7-8 minutes turning every few minutes until evenly cooked.

Healthy #FathersDay #Recipes

14 | 06 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

I’ve got for you a round-up of some amazing grilled or roasted foods for the Dads that are also healthy.From Salmon to Chicken to even Tofu these recipes are super easy and also very different in terms of flavors that go beyond the usual.We all know that men love foods from the grill or BBQ so its only natural that I chose all the recipes that call for either grill, oven,BBQ or even your griddle pan.Its a great way of saying thankyou to the men in our lives for all that they do for our families!

“Wishing all the Dads a Very Happy Father’s Day”

Healthy Father's Day Recipes

1. Chicken Burger with Curried Cabbage Slaw-Indian Inspired

chicken burger 2

2. Indian Lemon Chicken Kebabs 

lemon chicken kebabs 2

3. Tandoori Paneer Tikka

tandoori paneer copy

4. Tandoori Salmon

Tandoori Salmon 4

5. Thai Style Grilled Monkfish

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish 5

6. Tofu Hariyali Kebabs

Tofu Hariyali Kebabs 1

7. Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 1.jpg

8. Indian Roasted Cornish Hens 

Indian Roast Cornish Hens 1

 

 

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites

20 | 03 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

I have a question for you.

Given the chance to cook a meal for a gathering, would you stick to your traditional food/cuisine or cook different flavors from around the world for a change?I love to try global foods and flavors.The world has such amazing foods to offer so why settle for just one cuisine?

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites

I recently tried cooking Moroccan Chicken for the first time and it tasted amazing!The tangy lemon and olives combined with the warm cinnamon and cumin just makes it so aromatic.Instead of serving it with the traditional Couscous, I decided to use some Pita Bread and came with this idea to serve the whole dish as an appetizer!

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites 1

To make the process even easier,I made this in a slow cooker without any hassle.The flavors develop slowly adding so much depth.The chicken soaks up all the juices and becomes so moist and tender and all you have to do is to toast up the Pitas just before your guests arrive for it to be all crispy.Just spread some store bought Hummus and a dollop of the Chicken over each Pita bite and you’re done.Wasn’t that easy?

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites 2

 

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites

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Ingredients
  

  • Boneless Chicken Thighs-1 lb
  • Onion-1 large sliced
  • Fresh Minced Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Fresh Minced Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Cinnamon-1 tsp
  • Paprika-1-2 tbsp
  • Chicken Stock-1 1/2 cups
  • Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  • Green Olives-1/2 cup quartered
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Pita bread-5-6
  • Hummus
  • Fresh Parsley-for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet heat the oil and saute the onions along with some salt and pepper until golden.Add the ginger,garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Follow with the cumin and cinnamon.Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
  • In your slow cooker place the Chicken Thighs and pour the onion mixture all over.
  • Add 2 cups of chicken stock,lemon juice,olives,salt and pepper.
  • Cover and let it cook on low for about 6-7 hours.
  • Shred the chicken when done.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Slice the pitas into quarters and place on a baking sheet and toast until crispy for about 10 minutes.
  • Spread some hummus over and about a tbsp of the Moroccan chicken.Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Recipe adapted from here.

Chicken Meatball Chipotle Chili #Chili Cookoff #SundaySupper

23 | 02 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Have you ever taken part in a cook off?Well I’ve never done it and I’m so excited to be participating in my first ever cook off thanks to our Sunday Supper group!The theme couldn’t have been better.You guessed it right!Its a Chili cook-off and you will be choosing your favorite chili amongst all the mouth watering entries.I have to tell you that if you’re a Chili lover then look no further because my Chicken Meatball Chipotle Chili is the BEST of the best!Wait till you try it.

Chicken meatball chipotle chili

Its out of this world and the flavor involves a certain “Chipotle in Adobo Sauce”!Now if you haven’t tried this thing yet, I have to tell you that you’re missing something in your life.I first saw the chefs on Food Network use it and was mesmerised.Its only when I tried it that I realised what an amazing ingredient it is.Its my most favorite pantry item and I just love its smoky flavor.Its just what makes this chili so so special and kicks it up a notch.

Chicken meatball chipotle chili 2

To that, add some Chicken meatballs, Kidney beans combined with some cumin and tomatoes and you have one deliciously satisfying meal that’s healthy and super easy too!All you have to do then is to top it up with some sour cream and cilantro before serving to give it that wow factor!The hubs finished a big bowlful no time!You will too.Enjoy.

Chicken meatball chipotle chili

Chicken Meatball Chipotle Chili

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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • Ground Chicken-1 lb
  • Egg-1
  • 2 Slices of bread-to make fresh crumbs in the food processor
  • Garlic powder-1/2 tsp
  • Salt and pepper

For the Chili

  • Large Red Onion-1 chopped
  • 2 Garlic Cloves-crushed
  • Chipotle in Adobo Sauce-2 chopped
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Dried Oregano-2 tsp
  • Kidney Beans-1 15oz can
  • Crushed or diced Tomatoes-1 15 oz can
  • Chicken Stock-1 cup
  • Red Pepper-1 large cubed
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Oil-2-3 tbsp
  • Sour Cream
  • Cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor place 2 slices of bread and pulse until crumbly.Keep aside.
  • In a mixing bowl mix all the meatball ingredients and make round balls.
  • In a deep pot heat 2 tbsp of oil and shallow fry the meatballs until golden.Transfer onto a tray.
  • In the same pot add a tsp of oil and add the onions.
  • Saute until translucent and add the garlic.
  • Add the Chipotle,ground cumin and oregano.Stir to mix.
  • Saute for half a minute and add the kidney beans.
  • Follow it with the tomatoes and stock.
  • Mix well and add the meatballs.Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and cook for about 10 minutes.
  • Add the red pepper and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.Check the seasonings.
  • Turn off the heat.
  • To serve take some chili in a bowl, top it with some sour cream and cilantro.
  • Enjoy!

My friend the lovely Heather from Girlichef is hosting this fun event.Will YOU be a part of the #SundaySupper Chili Cook-Off judges panel this week? Voting is live at the Sunday Supper Movement Online Community Magazine starting now and concluding (fittingly) on February 27 – National Chili Day! Browse the submissions and cast your vote by clicking HERE!

Beef and Bison Chili

Pork Chili

Chicken, Duck, and Turkey Chili

Mixed (meat combo) Chili

Fish and Seafood Chili

Vegetarian Chili

Twist-on-Chili

Best Wines To Pair with Chili #SundaySupper from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.